New owner takes over Canterbury Shoppes

A dying woman's wish to see her beloved store left in good hands has come true, now that the Canterbury Shoppes have been sold. The new owner, former designer Pamela Patton, takes over this week. But she has "big shoes to fill," she admitted.

In September, The Sun reported that Gail Bivin was selling the store after being diagnosed with cancer of the liver. She founded it in 2005 and since then has built up a large following of loyal Naperville customers looking for unusual gifts and trinkets.

"Customers will be delighted to see that nothing has changed in the store, but they can expect some new things," said Patton, who lives in Glen Ellyn.

"If there is anything clients would like me to get, I certainly will," she said. "We are so blessed here to have a great staff. We have 15 people who work part-time hours with full-time dedication. We'll make sure that our clients receive the same quality of goods and service."

Patton is a former designer for Walter E Smythe furniture who later went on to manage some Bombay stores.

"I've always wanted to open my own gift shop," she said. "I'm so excited to continue with the history of the Canterbury Shoppes."

Patton's new plans include holding workshops and the opportunity for customers to have their own photographs turned into works of art on canvas.

"These make wonderful, memorable gifts," she said. "You'll be able to bring in a photo of your family taken at Thanksgiving, and have it enlarged on canvas to give to someone for Christmas."

Her first workshop -- featuring holiday tips, recipes and table design -- will be held at 8 p.m. Nov. 10. An open house is planned Nov. 21 with an appearance by artist Matt Litavsky of Mattarusky Ornaments. Litavsky will attend from 1 to 5 p.m.

Bivin said she is delighted to see her legacy to Naperville continue.

"She's going to do a wonderful job," she said.